Become a foster carer

You don’t have to be a superhero or a social worker to change a young life. You just need a big heart and a genuine desire to make a difference.

Who can be a foster carer?

You could be working full-time, part-time or not at all. Primarily what you need to be a foster carer is a big heart and a lot of patience. Every day, people from all walks of life are opening their homes to vulnerable children and young people, but we need more people like them.

Whether you have days, weeks, months or years to spare, there is a child who could benefit from your love and kindness.

You can be:

Single

Married

in a de-facto relationship

in a same-sex relationship

You must be:

ideally over the age of 25

an Australian citizen or permanent resident

in good health

without a criminal record.

How to apply

Talk to Fostering NSW

Fostering NSW can help you find an accredited non-government foster care agency. Call 1800 236 783 or visit the Fostering NSW website to find out more about the eligibility requirements, how to apply, and the
ongoing support and training you’ll receive.

FACS is also recruiting carers in some locations

Although the Department has transferred the provision of out-of-home care to non-government agencies, we are recruiting carers:

who can offer emergency care

who can offer short-term care

to care for Aboriginal children

to care for children with a disability

to care for sibling groups (two or more children and/or young people).

Locations where we need more carers, across all care types:

Sydney - central and western suburbs

Regional locations in Western NSW

Regional locations in Far Western NSW

We need Aboriginal carers and emergency carers in:

Bourke/Cobar, Broken Hill, Brewarrina, Walgett and Moree areas

We need carers for children with special needs/disabilities and emergency carers in:

How to become a FACS foster carer

Alternatively, you can complete the enquiry form to find out more about becoming a FACS foster carer.

How are carers authorised?

Your suitability to be an authorised foster carer will be determined based on the outcomes of background checks on all adults in the household including criminal record check, Community Services history and personal and medical referee checks. Having a criminal record does not automatically disqualify
you from becoming a carer. The nature of the offence will be taken into consideration as part of your assessment as a potential carer.

Agencies will look at your competence in certain areas such as your personal readiness to become a foster carer, your ability to work effectively as part of a team, your capacity to promote the positive development of children and young people in care and your ability to provide a safe environment
that is free of abuse.